Viewers have criticised ITV's 2024 Christmas TV schedule, calling it 'abysmal' and claiming the channel has 'lost its magic'. The line-up, which includes regular daytime shows and limited festive films, has sparked disappointment among those nostalgic for the Christmas television of years past.
On Christmas Day, programming begins with Good Morning Britain at 7am, followed by Lorraine and This Morning Christmas specials. The afternoon features Loose Women, James Martin's Christmas Day, The King's Speech, and Indiana Jones. Evening highlights include Emmerdale, Coronation Street, a Bullseye special, The 1% Club Christmas Special, and a Parent's Evening Special. Notably, no Christmas films are scheduled for the main day.
Christmas Eve offers some festive content, including Santa Claus at 3.45pm, but is followed by ITV News, The Chase Celebrity Special, Emmerdale, Royal Carols At Christmas, Coronation Street, and Love Actually at 9.10pm. Boxing Day includes a repeat of the Bullseye Christmas special, Indiana Jones And The Temple Of Doom, Emmerdale, Coronation Street, The Masked Singer UK Christmas Special, and Who Wants To Be A Millionaire Celebrity Special.
Social media reactions have been mixed. One viewer lamented, 'I remember when Christmas morning was for the kids... now we get Christmas Lorraine and This Morning. Christmas TV really has lost its magic.' Another fumed, 'That is a shocking Xmas day line up! Gather round kids, let’s watch GMB, Lorraine and This Morning.' A third said, 'That's gotta be one of the worst Christmas day line-ups ever.'
However, some viewers were pleased. One fan said, 'Great line up,' while another noted, 'I can watch everything I want to watch and still be in bed by 9.30pm.' Despite the criticism, ITV has not commented on the schedule.
